Page 41 of Chasing Justice

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“I see how you are,” Maya said. She pulled another toy out of her pocket and started to squeak it. Juniper stood up and flipped around, cocking her head. Maya squeaked the toy again until Juniper dropped the ball in her mouth. Maya rewarded her by throwing Juniper the other ball. They played the game until Maya was able to get both toys back. Juniper glared at her, obviously annoyed.

“Let’s go find some more dope,” Maya said. If the dog could have shrugged and said “okay,” she would have. This time Juniper wasn’t quite as energetic, but she found the hide of marijuana in Maya’s personal vehicle. Maya praised her again and played with her.

The third hide, Juniper became a little distracted by an animal scent. Maya reminded her to “find the dope” and Juniper went back to work. They played again, and after Maya got the toy back, she made sure Juniper had some water and rest.

She and Josh sat down on her front porch while Juniper lounged in the shade.

“Ready to get bit after Juniper’s break?” Maya asked with an all-knowing smile. Even with a bite sleeve, the pressure from a K-9 could bruise a person.

“Sure,” Josh said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a Malligator attached to my arm.”

Maya laughed. “I have a feeling she’s going to bite hard. Be ready.”

“If your couch is any indication, I agree. How’s the investigation going?”

Maya’s stomach churned. While working Juniper, she had forgotten about Doug and the fact that he was the main suspect implicated. She hadn’t told anyone else yet, but word was certain to get out soon. “The bombing investigation is closed for now.”

“Did they find who did it?” Josh asked, raising an eyebrow.

Maya took a deep breath. “They think Doug set up the whole thing and that he was involved in running drugs. They found traces of Krokodil at his house. Might tie into your case. I was going to talk to you about working together on that part of the investigation.”

A surprised look crossed Josh’s face. “But what about the second person you saw? The one who actually detonated the bombs—aren’t your investigators still looking for them?”

“Nope, in their minds, the case is closed since Doug is deceased. They think I was making up the second person or hit my head and was hallucinating or whatever. They don’t believe me and there’s no evidence that shows there was another person there. They even asked if I was involved. They thoughtIwas the other person.”

“Well...that’s bullshit.”

“Thanks,” Maya said, grateful that Josh believed her. He reached over and took her hand. They interlocked fingers and stared at each other. She quickly let go and stammered on, trying to focus on what she was saying. “I’m still looking into it, even if they aren’t. One person can’t produce and run drugs.”

“I’m having a hard time even believing that Doug was involved. He was a good guy. Not that type at all. There has to be an explanation.”

“That’s what I thought too, although...” Maya trailed off for a second.Why am I saying all this to Josh? It does feel nice to talk to someone and Josh is a good listener.

Maya continued and began filling Josh in about the money she found stashed. “Before Doug died, he told me some things. He said my grandfather knew the truth about the explosion and my grandmother’s death. Maybe he was just talking in shock.”

“I don’t know. I still think there’s a good explanation,” Josh said. “I’ll help you any way I can. I know your grandfather sits in his office and stares at the folder about your grandmother. I thought that he was just grieving in the weird way us cops grieve, but maybe he does know something more.”

“What? Has he ever talked to you about my grandmother’s death?”

“Never. Although I haven’t asked,” Josh said. “Can I ask you something, though?”

“You can ask, doesn’t mean I’ll answer,” Maya said, smiling to let Josh know she was giving him a hard time.

They locked eyes for a moment. Josh had an amused look on his face, his lips curving into a slight grin. Maya thought about what it would be like to lean over and kiss him.

She glanced away, mad at herself for thinking such a thing and acting like a schoolgirl with a crush. “What’s your question?”

“It’s not really any of my business—”

“Just ask your damn question.”

“Okay,” Josh said. “What happened to your mom?”

Maya stared at him for a second. Out of all the questions she expected him to ask, that wasn’t it.

Taking a moment to collect herself, she observed the beauty around her. The tall pine trees gave way to a view of the Snowy River Range to the north where snow still dotted some of the high peaks. Maya remembered sitting here with her grandmother in the summer guessing when the snow would melt. She took a deep breath. Josh brought up emotions in her that she thought she’d never feel again. She had to keep this relationship professional, but it was hard to not join in with all the women who found Josh charming and good-looking.

Maya concentrated on answering his question. “My mom was an only child and got herself into drugs and some sketchy things. She came back here and was supposedly trying to get clean, but when I was four, she died. I have vague memories of that day. She was murdered, but the case has remained unsolved. I’ve thought about looking into her death at some point. My grandparents adopted me, and were the best parents anyone could ask for. Why do you ask about her?”